Rivers Governor Fubara Pushes For Revisions: New Letter On 2025 Budget To Assembly

In a letter dated March 13, addressed to Speaker Martin Amaewhule, Fubara expressed his readiness to present the budget on Wednesday, March 19, 2025, or on any other date in March that the House may find suitable. The governor stressed that his decision was in line with the Supreme Court’s ruling and was a response to the lawmakers’ request for him to re-submit the budget.

He referenced the previous attempt to present the budget at the Assembly Quarters, where lawmakers were temporarily convening, but he was denied access to the premises.

The letter read: “You may recall my unsuccessful visit to the Rivers State House of Assembly on Wednesday, 12th March 2025, to present the 2025 Rivers State Budget, in compliance with the Supreme Court of Nigeria’s judgment.

“As you are aware, the planned presentation could not take place because my entourage and I were locked out at the gate and denied entry, despite the prior delivery of a soft copy of the notice to you, after the Clerk refused to accept the hard copy.

“Also, before this unfortunate incident, the House had issued a 48-hour ultimatum to present the 2025 budget, even though we had not yet been served with the certified true copy of the judgment and its accompanying orders.

“Therefore, we were simply adhering to the Supreme Court’s order and the request of the Rivers State House of Assembly when we came to present the budget on March 12, 2025.

“The Supreme Court has instructed that all arms of government should operate within the confines of the Constitution and the laws of the land, and we must comply to end the ongoing deadlock and move the state forward for the benefit of our people.

“Regardless of our political differences, we believe the interests of the state and the welfare of our people should take precedence.

“It is with this in mind that I am pleased to notify you again, Mr. Speaker, of my intention to present the 2025 Budget to the Rivers State House of Assembly on Wednesday, March 19, 2025, by 11:00 a.m., or any other date in March that you may deem convenient.”